Sajjan invites India to take part in Canada's Maple Flag

By: David Pugliese, Defence Watch 

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said he hopes the Indian military will eventually take part in the annual Maple Flag exercise.

Exercise Maple Flag is an international air combat exercise held at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta.

“They’ve (India) had officials come attend some of our cold weather training exercises,” Sajjan told journalists. They have sent observers to Maple Flag and I made an invite and asked them to even participate in Maple Flag. I’m hoping they’ll be able to consider this request.”

Exercise MAPLE FLAG 50 is being held from May 29 to June 23 this year.

Split between two periods of two weeks each, this year’s exercise will bring together almost 2000 Canadian Armed Forces personnel in participant or supporting roles, along with hundreds of personnel from six allied and partner nations along with multiple aircraft.

Participating International and Partner aircraft, confirmed so far:

• United States Air Force E-3 AWACS
• United States Air Force F-16 Falcon fighter aircraft
• French Air Force E-3 AWACS
• French Air Force A400M transport aircraft
• Royal Air Force E-3 AWACS
• Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16 Falcon fighter aircraft
• Discovery Air Defence Services Dornier Alpha Jet

Stage set for Maple Flag 50

By Jeff Gaye

The initial planning conference for the 50th Maple Flag exercise was held at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, during the first week of December.

The stage is set for the spring 2017 exercise, said Major Chris Horch, who commands the Air Force Tactical Training Centre at 4 Wing. “At our initial brief, we gave [the international participants] an idea of the different [flying] rules we have in Canada compared to other countries. We gave them a general overview brief of what the base offers.

“After the initial briefs,” he continued, “we had what we call the booth bay, with businesses from town that are involved in supporting Maple Flag. Rental car companies, hotels, other leisure companies as well.”

The exercise will run in two periods of two weeks each, beginning May 29 and ending June 23.

The first period will involve primarily Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft, including CF-188 Hornet fighters from 4 Wing and from 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec. As well, four CH-146 Griffon and two CH-147F Chinook helicopters, and a CC-130J Hercules transport aircraft, will take part. France and the United States are each scheduled to fly an E3 Sentry AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft in period 1, and France plans to fly its Airbus A400M tactical airlift aircraft.

Belgian, Canadian, French and German ground troops will participate in the exercise, while the United States Marine Corps will provide logistical support.

Period 2 will involve a greater emphasis on international fighter forces. The RCAF will fly CF-188s from 4 Wing squadrons. The Republic of Singapore Air Force is slated to bring 10 F-16 Fighting Falcon jets, and the United States Air Force 93rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, from Homestead, Florida, plans to contribute 12 F-16s. AWACS are scheduled to be provided by Royal Air Force and USAF E3 Sentry aircraft.

“Red Air”, flying as enemy forces, will be provided by Top Aces Alpha Jets and RCAF CF-188 Hornets.

The International Observer Program, under which potential participants get a sense of the exercise, is another important facet of Maple Flag. So far this year, 12 countries are confirmed as observers, and more may sign on.
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Jeff Gaye is an editor/reporter with 4 Wing Cold Lake base newspaper The Courier.

International Observers of MAPLE FLAG

RCAF Press Release
By Lieutenant Peter Broussard

Exercise Maple Flag has many participants, a number of whom are front and centre during the event with their aircraft and participation in the training missions during its four weeks. As well, every year, nations whose aircraft and personnel are not directly involved play in a more passive role: these observers come from all over the world to learn about Maple Flag and the Cold Lake community.

During Exercise Maple Flag, a CF-188 Hornet fighter aircraft (left) moves into position to refuel from a CC-130 Hercules aircraft over 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, on June 21, 2016, while two French Air Force Rafale fighter aircraft fly alongside. PHOTO: Corporal Manuela Berger, CK01-2016-0510-214

The International Observer Program (IOP) is an integral part of Exercise Maple Flag. It is designed to allow representatives of non-participating nations the opportunity to observe the exercise and the local area, and to assess the opportunities for their country presented by 4 Wing/Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Cold Lake and Exercise Maple Flag. This year, the IOP had 22 observers from 11 nations – the largest number in the program in Maple Flag’s history. They came to 4 Wing/CFB Cold Lake to witness how Exercise Maple Flag runs and how it could help with their training needs in the future.

Major (Ret) Keith Agar, program manager international observers (PMIOP), has been running the IOP for the last 9 years and has seen the program grow over his tenure. “Having new countries participating in the IOP helps us gauge the program,” he said, “and shows us there is interest in Maple Flag. The IOP is designed to highlight the professionalism, planning and training available at CFB Cold Lake.”

Mr. Agar explained that it is important to remember that Maple Flag does not compete with other nations’ exercises, but rather can be used in conjunction with other similar exercises in North America. This opportunity to attend multiple exercises can be an important factor for countries that have a great distance to travel in order to participate.

The IOP saw representatives from new nations take part in the observers program this year, and those from nations which have done so in the past. If a nation is unable to actively participate in the exercise, sometimes it will show support for future Maple Flags through its observers in the IOP. This year, three nations all showed their support for future exercises by taking part in in the observers’ program.

Comments from several IOP observers spotlighted the purpose of the program. “We come here, not to make a decision on participation, as that is not our role at Maple Flag; rather, we collect information to take back to our decision-makers,” explained one observer. Another agreed, saying: “We were allowed unfettered access to planning, briefing and debriefing, and exercise staff. The decision my government makes on future participation will be made with all of this information weighed and in mind.”

4 Wing Air Force Tactical Training Centre officer in charge Major Christopher Horch explained that the IOP is a key tool for the RCAF because it showcases Exercise Maple Flag to potential participants. “They have the opportunity to assess the exercise against the needs of the individual nation,” he said, “and report back to their chain of command on the training value. We have received positive feedback this year and hope some of the nations who were a part of the IOP during MF 49 return as active participants in the near future.”

RCAF Concludes MAPLE FLAG

Press Release
National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

After 1,945 hours flown over the course of 1,137 sorties, 1,300 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel along with 400 members from partner nations concluded Exercise MAPLE FLAG, the largest and most complex international training event of the year led by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The exercise was successful in accomplishing the goal of preparing Canadian and international aircrew, maintenance, and support personnel for the rigours of operations in the modern aerial battlespace.

“The feedback we received during Exercise MAPLE FLAG 49 has been extremely positive, pointing to an overall successful experience for everyone involved. It was a great opportunity for the RCAF to enhance our agility, reach, and power, while increasing operability with our domestic joint partners and allies.” - Major-General Christian Drouin, Commander 1 Canadian Air Division

“Exercise MAPLE FLAG 49 was a tremendous success. The months of planning and hard work paid off, providing a world-class training opportunity that will directly contribute to the continued success of the RCAF and our allies. A highlight for me was the absolute professionalism and dedication of all those involved.” - Colonel Eric Kenny, Commander 4 Wing Cold Lake

The exercise began on May 30, and brought together over 1300 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel from across the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Army, and over 400 personnel from five allied and partner nations. Aircraft which flew as part of the exercise included:

From Canada: 

• CF-18 Hornet fighters, 
• CH-146 Griffon helicopters, 
• CP-140 Auroras, 
• CC-177 Globemaster III heavy lift aircraft, 
• CC-130 Hercules air-to-air refueling and transport aircraft, 
• and contracted Dornier Alpha Jets;

From the United States: 

• C-130 Hercules aircraft 
• and E-3 Sentry aircraft;

From France: 

• Mirage 2000-5 
• and Rafale fighter aircraft;

From the United Kingdom:

•  E-3 Sentry aircraft.

Participants used a fictitious scenario in which they fought against simulated threats using tactics, weaponry, and technology. The goal was to hone their skills within a realistic, evolving, and challenging operating environment.

Some notable statistics from Exercise MAPLE FLAG 49 include:

• Sorties flown: 1,137;
• Air-to-air fuel transferred: 1,070,400 pounds;
• Total hours flown: 1,945.08;
• Live munitions dropped: 8;
• Inert munitions dropped: 69;
• Number of target complexes attacked: 257; and
• Number of simulated air-to-air kills: 1,063.
• Participants from allied and partner forces included:

Participants:

• The United States Air Force;
• The United States Air Force Reserve;
• The Kentucky Air National Guard;
• The United States Marine Corps;
• The Royal Air Force;
• The French Air Force;
• The German Army; and
• The Belgian Army

RCAF Ex. MAPLE FLAG Set for May 30th

DND Press Release:

Cold Lake, Alberta – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Exercise MAPLE FLAG, the Royal Canadian Air Force’s largest and most complex international training event of the year, begins next week in Cold Lake, Alberta. Taking place between May 30 and June 24, Exercise MAPLE FLAG brings together up to 1300 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel in participant or supporting roles, and over 400 personnel from six allied and partner nations along with multiple aircraft including:
From Canada: CF-188 Hornet fighters, CH-146 Griffon helicopters, CP-140 Auroras, CC-177 Globemaster III heavy lift aircraft, CC-130 Hercules air-to-air refueling and transport aircraft, and contracted Dornier Alpha Jets;
From United States: C-130 Hercules aircraft and E-3 Sentry aircraft;
From France: Mirage 2000-5 and Rafale fighter aircraft; and
From the United Kingdom: E-3 Sentry aircraft.

This international exercise prepares Canadian and international aircrew, maintenance, and support personnel for the rigours of operations in the modern aerial battlespace. Exercises like this contribute to the operational readiness of the CAF so it can meet the likely tasks that the Government of Canada could assign.

“Exercise MAPLE FLAG is a direct contributor to the RCAF’s success in generating world-class air power. This exercise is a great opportunity to enhance our agility, reach, and power, while integrating with our domestic joint partners and allies.” - Major-General David Wheeler, Commander 1 Canadian Air Division

“We are pleased to once again host Exercise MAPLE FLAG in Cold Lake. The personnel of 4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake have been working hard over the past several months planning this incredible, fully immersive training opportunity for not only the Royal Canadian Air Force, but our international allies and partners. The outcomes of this exercise will undoubtedly provide those involved with the skills and expertise to operate effectively against any adversary.” - Colonel Eric Kenny, Commander 4 Wing Cold Lake

MAPLE FLAG Quick Facts
In recent years, Exercise MAPLE FLAG has begun to fuse with elements of concurrent exercises, such as the Canadian Army-led Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE.
Participants will use a fictitious scenario in which they will fight against simulated threats using the latest in tactics, weaponry, and technology. The goal is to hone their skills within a realistic, evolving, and challenging operating environment. This exercise is as close as it gets to the real thing.
Participants from allied and partner forces include:
The United States Air Force;
The United States Air Force Reserve;
The Kentucky Air National Guard;
The United States Marine Corps;
The Royal Air Force;
The French Air Force;
The German Army; and
The Belgian Army.

Exercise MAPLE FLAG takes place primarily inside the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (CLAWR). This unique airspace permits the use of a variety of simulated and live weapons systems, as well as supersonic flight.